Going Out In Muharram- Yes Or No?

[melj4375]

Salams;

I have a friends birthday (its in a Park so no music etc) on the 5th of Muharram and not sure whether i should go- someone plz direct me.

Also, is it makrooh to go out shopping for example during first few days of muharram? I wouldnt go out on the 9th or 10th of muharram, but how about earlier on ?

I want to show respect to ahlulbayt and our 12th imam (as) but not sure if that will mean i am house bound for the 10 days.

Any insight, input will be much appreciated ;)

Jazakum Allah (swt) kheir;

Wasalam

[Birdman]

On 12/6/2010 at 4:48 AM, melj4375 said:

Salams;

I have a friends birthday (its in a Park so no music etc) on the 5th of Muharram and not sure whether i should go- someone plz direct me.

Also, is it makrooh to go out shopping for example during first few days of muharram? I wouldnt go out on the 9th or 10th of muharram, but how about earlier on ?

I want to show respect to ahlulbayt and our 12th imam (عليه السلام) but not sure if that will mean i am house bound for the 10 days.

Any insight, input will be much appreciated ;)

Jazakum Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) kheir;

Wasalam

Yes there's no problem in it. You can even go out on 9 muharram. As per ahadith, the only day when it is very strictly makrooh(not haram) to engage in any worldly affair is 10 muharram. The designation of 1st 10 days of muharram, juloos, taziya, professional zakirs are just cultural innovations. The recommended azadari, as per ahadith is to cry your heart out for our Master Maula Hussain and his relatives and companions who were slaughtered by illegit born people. People who try to stop azadari or try to ruin it with their innovations should be strictly dealt with.

BTW, music is haram throughout the year and if you are a baligh woman then it is recommended that you ALWAYS stay in the innermost corner of your home.

Cheers.

[Replicant]

In my family, we don't go "out" or do anything fun until 9th Rabiul Awwal. It's not a matter of whether you are allowed or not but it's about how much respect you want to give. The happiness of the Imams is our happiness and when they were upset, we should be upset.

I am a uni student and I only get to see my friends at home during Christmas break. However, Muharram now falls in that and I've had to tell them that I cannot go out with them due to my mourning and they understand and are intrigued by how dedicated the followers of Imam Hussain (as) are.

In short, I would avoid going to any gatherings of happiness, AT LEAST until Arbaaen but preferably until the end.

Edited December 6, 2010 by Replicant

[Haji 2003]

In my family, we don't go "out" or do anything fun until 9th Rabiul Awwal.

+1

[Gibrael]

It's not a matter of whether you are allowed or not but it's about how much respect you want to give.

(salam)

Great answer here.

(salam)

[Orion]

(bismillah)

From 1st of Moharram till 8th of Rabi al Awwal are the days of mourning. All leisure activities like watching movies, attending birthday parties, weddings, vacation trips, shopping for non-essential things, starting a new project, giving gifts, etc are not done. Women dont wear jewelery and avoid makeup. Red, pink, golden and other fancy clothing that reflect happiness are avoided. In short, you spend these days as if a dear one has died in the family.

WS

[.K.A.R.R.A.R.]

Our tribe ..

do not go out for celebrations of any kind.

we don't do shopping till 40th (chehlum) is finished (40th means 40th day after 10th Muharram the martyrdom day of Imam Hussain a.s and companions family a.s) only necessary things are bought like food n other things which are important..

[wonderer]

I would go.. I don't think it's disrespectful.. there's no rule abt it.. it's what u think..

I wouldn't shop tho in either Muharam or Safar if it's unnecessary..

it's all abt ur personal choice

[Saihat Jibreel]

In my family, we don't go "out" or do anything fun until 9th Rabiul Awwal. It's not a matter of whether you are allowed or not but it's about how much respect you want to give. The happiness of the Imams is our happiness and when they were upset, we should be upset.

I am a uni student and I only get to see my friends at home during Christmas break. However, Muharram now falls in that and I've had to tell them that I cannot go out with them due to my mourning and they understand and are intrigued by how dedicated the followers of Imam Hussain (as) are.

In short, I would avoid going to any gatherings of happiness, AT LEAST until Arbaaen but preferably until the end.

I Agree with that completely

[Marbles]

I would personally not go to birthday parties on 5th Muharram. The day of mourning is Ashura. That's it. But we have traditions starting the period of mourning when the new moon is sighted, aka, 1st Muharram. But it doesn't extend to the month of Rabi ul awwal at all. It's a desi Shia Lucknawi nonsense from the old days. What is more disturbing are the customs and rituals associated specifically among Urdu speaking Shia folks here. Retard I say.

[arshiraza]

I think u shld avoid the party !!

[sayedzeeshan]

I won\t go to the birthday party either, not in the first thirteen days of Muharram at least.

[melj4375]

Jazakum Allah kheir everyone, looks like I will drop the party and anything else till 10th Muharram is over. Do you guys wear black all the time during these days?

[Blissful]

Jazakum Allah kheir everyone, looks like I will drop the party and anything else till 10th Muharram is over. Do you guys wear black all the time during these days?

It's good you did that.

It's recommended that you wear black to express your sadness for Imam Hussein (as) and his companions. If you're not able to wear black all the time, dark colours like dark browns and khakis are suitable too.

Wsalam.

[Orion]

It's a desi Shia Lucknawi nonsense from the old days. What is more disturbing are the customs and rituals associated specifically among Urdu speaking Shia folks here. Retard I say.

what "customs and rituals" on earth are you talking about. If someone wants to restrict himself from petty pleasures its his or her personal choice. No one said its haram or halal, so what is your problem?

[guest 34193]

what "customs and rituals" on earth are you talking about. If someone wants to restrict himself from petty pleasures its his or her personal choice. No one said its haram or halal, so what is your problem?

It's because the way you stated above made it sound as though that is actually what the religion teaches. I've seen no proof of any of this, other than `Ashura itself being a day of mourning. (In the process now of translating a work of Shaykh Mufid (ar) that goes over the occasions of different events throughout the year, for Muharram he only lists the tenth as a day of mourning. The days prior to it, i.e. the first, third, fifth, seventh and ninth, are days commemorating good events in fact, e.g. the first being the day the appeal of Zakariyya (as) was answered).

It's recommended that you wear black to express your sadness for Imam Hussein (as) and his companions. If you're not able to wear black all the time, dark colours like dark browns and khakis are suitable too.

I've also seen no proof of this either. In fact, in the ahadith wearing black other than in one's turban, cloak and khuff is condemned.

[Blissful]

It's because the way you stated above made it sound as though that is actually what the religion teaches. I've seen no proof of any of this, other than `Ashura itself being a day of mourning. (In the process now of translating a work of Shaykh Mufid (ar) that goes over the occasions of different events throughout the year, for Muharram he only lists the tenth as a day of mourning. The days prior to it, i.e. the first, third, fifth, seventh and ninth, are days commemorating good events in fact, e.g. the first being the day the appeal of Zakariyya (as) was answered).

I've also seen no proof of this either. In fact, in the ahadith wearing black other than in one's turban, cloak and khuff is condemned.

Do you really need it? What other colour you wanna wear when ur in mourning for one of your Imams (as), yellow? It just seems like common sense to wear black when in mourning, doesn't it seem that way to you?

[guest 34193]

Do you really need it? What other colour you wanna wear when ur in mourning for one of your Imams (as), yellow? It just seems like common sense to wear black when in mourning, doesn't it seem that way to you?

It's isn't common sense, it's a cultural practice that you've gotten used to. In China and India (amongst Hindus) for instance, white is the color of mourning so to them it might seem like "common sense" to wear white in such an occasion. As to black though, as I said we have a number of riwaya that condemn this calling it the clothing of the people of the Hellfire, the clothing of Fir`awn, the clothing of the enemies of Allah:

http://www.*******.org/hadiths/dress-and-appearance/black-clothing

(Granted for full disclosure, the isnads on these are weak, however why would someone want to take a chance when there's so many of them?) Yet, as often is the case, many of us ignore what the ahadith actually say and prefer to go with inherited cultural traditions. What's even worse is when scholars (who should know better) do likewise, and even try to avoid the clear meaning of the sources and justify said cultural practices, attempting to give them an Islamic coloring.

[kadhim]

(bismillah)

From 1st of Moharram till 8th of Rabi al Awwal are the days of mourning. All leisure activities like watching movies, attending birthday parties, weddings, vacation trips, shopping for non-essential things, starting a new project, giving gifts, etc are not done. Women dont wear jewelery and avoid makeup. Red, pink, golden and other fancy clothing that reflect happiness are avoided. In short, you spend these days as if a dear one has died in the family.

WS

Starting new projects would be precisely the RIGHT thing to do immediately after Ashoura.

To remember this history, and then stay meekly at home feeling sad at home crying and moping rather than redoubling or recommencing efforts to engage in important projects is a repudiation of Imam Hussain's legacy.

[Blissful]

It's isn't common sense, it's a cultural practice that you've gotten used to. In China and India (amongst Hindus) for instance, white is the color of mourning so to them it might seem like "common sense" to wear white in such an occasion. As to black though, as I said we have a number of riwaya that condemn this calling it the clothing of the people of the Hellfire, the clothing of Fir`awn, the clothing of the enemies of Allah:

http://www.tashayyu..../black-clothing

(Granted for full disclosure, the isnads on these are weak, however why would someone want to take a chance when there's so many of them?) Yet, as often is the case, many of us ignore what the ahadith actually say and prefer to go with inherited cultural traditions. What's even worse is when scholars (who should know better) do likewise, and even try to avoid the clear meaning of the sources and justify said cultural practices, attempting to give them an Islamic coloring.

If you don't mind me asking

what do you wear during ashura then?

[guest 34193]

If you don't mind me asking

what do you wear during ashura then?

In the past I've sometimes worn black myself, though I'm not so sure I'd continue to do so. As to what to wear otherwise on that day, wear what one would ordinarily wear and in line with the general recommendations in regards to clothing (e.g. it is recommended to wear white, wear cotton, etc.).

[Blissful]

On 12/7/2010 at 7:14 AM, macisaac said:

In the past I've sometimes worn black myself, though I'm not so sure I'd continue to do so. As to what to wear otherwise on that day, wear what one would ordinarily wear and in line with the general recommendations in regards to clothing (e.g. it is recommended to wear white, wear cotton, etc.).

I see.

If someone died, I don't think you'de be wearing as normal.... be realistic here.

By all means of respect, I don't think I'de be wearing white during a time of mourning and sadness for Aba 3abd Illah (عليه السلام)

But again by all means, wear what you wish brother.

Wslam.

[Sadiq M...]

It's isn't common sense, it's a cultural practice that you've gotten used to. In China and India (amongst Hindus) for instance, white is the color of mourning so to them it might seem like "common sense" to wear white in such an occasion. As to black though, as I said we have a number of riwaya that condemn this calling it the clothing of the people of the Hellfire, the clothing of Fir`awn, the clothing of the enemies of Allah:

What about women's clothing? Or wearing black in opposed to other colours in order to reduce appeal and attention from na-mahram.

Have you seen an abaya or chador in any other colour then black?

What colour would the women of the Ahlulbayt wear?

[guest 34193]

What about women's clothing? Or wearing black in opposed to other colours in order to reduce appeal and attention from na-mahram.

Have you seen an abaya or chador in any other colour then black?

What colour would the women of the Ahlulbayt wear?

That is a valid question in that the exceptions on this seem geared towards men's clothing (e.g. a turban) which raises the question as to whether they are directed to men only or are they general. I don't have the answer to that (though the color of abayas and chadors nowadays is irrelevant to figuring that out)

[Ali_Hussain]

What about women's clothing? Or wearing black in opposed to other colours in order to reduce appeal and attention from na-mahram.

Have you seen an abaya or chador in any other colour then black?

What colour would the women of the Ahlulbayt wear?

Just a guess, but if men can wear black turban,cloak and socks, would the same not apply for women? (In equivalent clothing)

But I don't think the women of the ahlul bayt left the house that much to observed by people?

[Blissful]

Just a guess, but if men can wear black turban,cloak and socks, would the same not apply for women? (In equivalent clothing)

But I don't think the women of the ahlul bayt left the house that much to observed by people?

Agreed.

I think it would apply for women, I mean the most common colours for both abayas and chadors is black isnt it??? Idk, just seems logic to be wearing black during a time of mourning.

[Nocturne]

It's because the way you stated above made it sound as though that is actually what the religion teaches. I've seen no proof of any of this, other than `Ashura itself being a day of mourning. (In the process now of translating a work of Shaykh Mufid (ar) that goes over the occasions of different events throughout the year, for Muharram he only lists the tenth as a day of mourning. The days prior to it, i.e. the first, third, fifth, seventh and ninth, are days commemorating good events in fact, e.g. the first being the day the appeal of Zakariyya (as) was answered).

The following true or just some rumour/story/false?

Thirdly, the 9th of Rabi al-Awwal is also known as Eid-E-Zahra meaning the festival of Fatima al-Zahra (sa), because 3 to 4 years after the tragedy of Karbala, it was on this day that joy and happiness was restored in the family of Ahlul Bayt (as). From the tragedy of Karbala in 61 AH till this day, the family members of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had continuously mourned and grieved the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as).

Then Mukhtar ibn Ubaydullah al-Thaqafi, together with Ibrahim ibn Malik al-Ashtar and others rose to avenge the blood of Imam Hussain (as). They arrested every killer of karbala and executed them. Finally, Mukhtar arrested Umar ibn Saad ibn abi Waqqas (commander-in-chief of Yazeed's army at Karbala) and Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad (governor of Yazeed in Kufa). He beheaded them and sent their heads to Imam Ali ibn al-Hussain al-Zainul Abideen (as) in Madina. These two heads reached the Imam Ali ibn al-Hussain al-Zainul Abideen (as) on the 9th Rabi al-Awwal and on seeing them, Imam (as) went into prostration (Sajda-E-Shukr) and said, "I thank Allah (SWT) who kept me alive to this day so that I could see the heads of the tyrants who killed my father." Imam Ali ibn al-Hussain al-Zainul Abideen (as) then instructed the members of his family to remove the clothes of mourning, adorn themselves and celebrate the day with joy and happiness.

Umar ibn Saad ibn abi Waqqas (la), the killer of Imam Hussain (as) was the wretched criminal who was the first one to shoot an arrow towards Imam Hussain (as) on the 9th of Muharram al-Haram 61 AH, thus formally starting the war against Imam Hussain (as)! And he proclaimed, "O people of Kufa and Shaam, be witness hereto on the Day of Judgment, that I am the one who is the first to shoot an arrow at Hussain"! And saying this, he shot the arrow! Later, Imam Hussain (as) told them [the army of Yezeed whose commander-in-chief was this Umar ibn Saad ibn abi Waqqas (la)] after delivering an eye-opening Khutbah (sermon), that he needs to have a night for prayers!

Eid-E-ShujaMukhtar ibn Ubaydullah al-Thaqafi announced the aims of his revolution in Masjid-E-Kufa, "I will conform to Allah's Book and to His Prophet's Sunnah. I will take the revenge on Imam Hussain's killers. I will fight against those who have broken Allah's laws. I will defend the weak against the strong." It is only the lucky ones who have the opportunity to celebrate this Eid! This was the day; when for the first time after the massacre of his father Imam Hussain (as) and his companions that our 4th Imam, Imam Ali ibn al-Hussain al-Zainul Abideen (as) smiled! Is this not enough an excuse to celebrate? For, our joys are with the joys of Masoomeen (infallible) and our grief and sorrows are for them alone!

Hence, 9th of Rabi al-Awwal is the day of glory, honour, dignity and blessings. It is a great Eid day also named as "Eid-E-Shuja."

[Socrates]

I would personally not go to birthday parties on 5th Muharram. The day of mourning is Ashura. That's it. But we have traditions starting the period of mourning when the new moon is sighted, aka, 1st Muharram. But it doesn't extend to the month of Rabi ul awwal at all. It's a desi Shia Lucknawi nonsense from the old days. What is more disturbing are the customs and rituals associated specifically among Urdu speaking Shia folks here. Retard I say.

Careful...I was beginning to like you. And what kind of Naqqaniya are you? They are rooted in culture :P

It's isn't common sense, it's a cultural practice that you've gotten used to. In China and India (amongst Hindus) for instance, white is the color of mourning so to them it might seem like "common sense" to wear white in such an occasion. As to black though, as I said we have a number of riwaya that condemn this calling it the clothing of the people of the Hellfire, the clothing of Fir`awn, the clothing of the enemies of Allah:

http://www.*******.org/hadiths/dress-and-appearance/black-clothing

(Granted for full disclosure, the isnads on these are weak, however why would someone want to take a chance when there's so many of them?) Yet, as often is the case, many of us ignore what the ahadith actually say and prefer to go with inherited cultural traditions. What's even worse is when scholars (who should know better) do likewise, and even try to avoid the clear meaning of the sources and justify said cultural practices, attempting to give them an Islamic coloring.

Interesting, but don't the scholars say (perhaps due to the isnads being weak, though I couldn't be certain) that it is makrooh to wear black in anything other than amamah, aba, and khuff, but not outright haraam? Given the amount of makrooh we do in our daily lives, wearing black would come pretty low down the list of priorities...

The following true or just some rumour/story/false?

It is true. There are great celebrations in the houses of the maraje on the 9th Rabi al-Awwal.

The official mourning period all over the Islamic world is 40 days, and we have ahadith about mourning Imam Husayn (as) until Arbaeen. Since the wafat of the Prophet (pbuh), and then Imam Hasan Askari (as) occuring in the days following, the subcontinent extended the mourning period to 8th Rabi al-Awwal.

[Orion]

It's because the way you stated above made it sound as though that is actually what the religion teaches. I've seen no proof of any of this, other than `Ashura itself being a day of mourning. (In the process now of translating a work of Shaykh Mufid (ar) that goes over the occasions of different events throughout the year, for Muharram he only lists the tenth as a day of mourning. The days prior to it, i.e. the first, third, fifth, seventh and ninth, are days commemorating good events in fact, e.g. the first being the day the appeal of Zakariyya (as) was answered).

Muharram ‑ The Month of Mourning

Imam Redha (as) said: With the advent of the month of Muharram, my father Imam Kadhim (A.S.) would never be seen laughing; gloom and sadness would overcome him for (the first) ten days of the month; and when the tenth day of the month would dawn, it would be a day of tragedy, grief and weeping for him.

(Amaali Saduq, pg. 111 from Azadari - 40 hadith)

Edited December 7, 2010 by Orion

[guest 34193]

The following true or just some rumour/story/false?

Mukhtar is a difficult one to understand. We have ahadith praising him and ahadith condemning him, even one stating he will be in Hell for a time (until he is taken out through the intercession of Imam al-Husayn (as) after not receiving it from the Prophet (pbuh), Amir al-Mu'mineen (as) or Imam al-Hasan (as). He also is connected with, possibly the founder, of the heretical Kaysani sect which claimed that the Imam after Imam al-Husayn (as) was Muhammad b. al-Hanafiyya. Anyhow, as to observing this day, Shaykh Mufid does not mention it so I doubt it's something the Shi`as originally observed or were aware of, and thus not a practice coming from the Imams (as).

[haideriam]

(bismillah)

(salam)

it is really upto you and your trying to raise your rank like with extra salah and especially the lail one

10th and 40th essential

and then in order

1 to 10 muharram

1 to 13 muharram

1 to 17 muharram

from 1st to 40th which is approx 20 safar

rest too cultural especially upto 8th rabiulawwal

(wasalam)

[guest 34193]

Muharram ‑ The Month of Mourning

Imam Redha (as) said: With the advent of the month of Muharram, my father Imam Kadhim (A.S.) would never be seen laughing; gloom and sadness would overcome him for (the first) ten days of the month; and when the tenth day of the month would dawn, it would be a day of tragedy, grief and weeping for him.

(Amaali Saduq, pg. 111 from Azadari - 40 hadith)

That is an interesting hadith, though I don't think it proves your point. In fact, it only states the day of `Ashura itself would be the day of actual mourning, while the days preceding it he (as) would be unhappy building up to it. Nowadays though all ten days are days of mourning (with grief and weeping). And again, I don't see Mufid mentioning anything of this in his Masar, so the conclusion would seem to follow that in that time Shi`as were not observing a ritual of ten days (or 50 or more as we see now).

(bismillah)

(salam)

it is really upto you and your trying to raise your rank like with extra salah and especially the lail one

10th and 40th essential

and then in order

1 to 10 muharram

1 to 13 muharram

1 to 17 muharram

from 1st to 40th which is approx 20 safar

rest too cultural especially upto 8th rabiulawwal

(wasalam)

(wasalam)

No, you are opening the door to bid`a with that approach. In fact we have hadith condemning going beyond what the Imams (as) instruct us to do.

[Orion]

That is an interesting hadith, though I don't think it proves your point. In fact, it only states the day of `Ashura itself would be the day of actual mourning, while the days preceding it he (as) would be unhappy building up to it. Nowadays though all ten days are days of mourning (with grief and weeping). And again, I don't see Mufid mentioning anything of this in his Masar, so the conclusion would seem to follow that in that time Shi`as were not observing a ritual of ten days (or 50 or more as we see now).

(bismillah)

Hadith clearly says regarding the Imam (as) that starting the 1st of Moharram:

-Imam (A) would never be seen laughing;

-and gloom and sadness would overcome him

Naturally a person in such an state would not attend parties, nor would he do anything that would make him happy. This is clear proof that the days of mourning start from the 1st of Moharram and continue till the 10th (Ashura). And regarding the days after 10th, this particular hadith does not tell us anything.

[Sadiq M...]

But I don't think the women of the ahlul bayt left the house that much to observed by people?

My understanding is that they would only be seen in instances which required it of them, for example Mubahala and the speeches of Bibi Fatema after Saqifa and Bibi Zainab in Syria.

On another point, I find it odd that our Muslim women do not have a role model to follow when it comes to public interactions. We are living in societies, be it in the West or East, which require the female to engage in society on a public platform, and if we can't agree on what colour clothing the women of the Ahlulbayt used to wear to give some sort of guidelines to us then we're going to be in a bit of a problem down the line. You follow me?

[guest 34193]

On another point, I find it odd that our Muslim women do not have a role model to follow when it comes to public interactions. We are living in societies, be it in the West or East, which require the female to engage in society on a public platform, and if we can't agree on what colour clothing the women of the Ahlulbayt used to wear to give some sort of guidelines to us then we're going to be in a bit of a problem down the line. You follow me?

You've answered your own question. The reason we'd not have role models for that is simply because women are not supposed to be in such a role.